Shugart will be tested in clerk’s role ‘very quickly’ in light of SNC-Lavalin controversy, says ex-PBO Page

Incoming PCO clerk Ian Shugart’s resume means he will have an easy transition, say public service observers, with no impact on the bureaucracy's election transition work.

Foreign Affairs deputy minister Ian Shugart, right, was announced as PCO clerk Michael Wernick's successor on March 18, and some insiders have suggested the transition is expected to happen around Easter.
The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Incoming Privy Council clerk Ian Shugart will be tested “very quickly” on how to walk the line between serving political masters and staying professionally non-partisan, but he’ll rise to the challenge, said former parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page.

Unless Trudeau plans to be out on these streets, fighting against police brutality or in cabinet drafting legislation to curb police powers, his, and all the other white voices of his ilk, have no merit here.

'I do agree that things need to be implemented as quickly as possible. We could've done this a lot sooner. The good news is that we’re doing it now and announcing it today,' says Transport Minister Marc Garneau.